Santa Responds: He's Had Enough... and He's Writing Back!

I knew I would love this book from the subtitle alone: "He's had enough and he's writing back!" Basically, this book is a set letters from kids and the snarky reponses from a grouchy, overworked Santa tired of dealing with striking elves, ungrateful children, and oatmeal raisin cookies. If you are looking for something to cut the sweetness of the holiday hype, then this is the book for you. It is certainly a must-read for anyone who has ever been one of Santa's helpers- if I was convulsed with laughter, I can only imagine how those who have dealt with such requests would respond. This book would make a great stocking stuffer; though you are unlikely to read the whole thing in one sitting, you can certainly count on a laugh anytime you open it up to read a letter or two. I'm giving it four stars because there are a few places where the humor of the kids' letters felt a bit forced, but if these letters are actual letters written by real children, then the rating goes up to a definite five stars!

(I gave it 5 stars because it kept everyone at a family dinner laughing the whole time!) Perfect for : Personal reading, great host/hostess gift (for the right person!) In a nutshell: I don't know if my family has laughed this much in quite a while - at least not because of a book! We had relatives over for dinner one evening, and I decided to pull this book out to see what they thought. What I thought would be a quick five minute browse through the book ended up lasting over an hour as we passed the book back and forth, reading the children's letters and how Santa responded to them out loud. I've never had a better time during dinner! This is the perfect gift for someone with a great sense of humor, or someone who needs one! It would also be great after a long day of work, or holiday shopping - just grab a cocktail and start reading - your day will instantly get better! As I learned, this book is also a perfect ice breaker for a gathering - just make sure there are no kids who still believe in Santa, because just like the picture on the cover - this Santa isn't your normal "ho, ho, ho" jolly old Saint Nick, but rather a blunt pot-bellied, tattooed, cigar-smoking, drinking, cursing (not too bad) Santa who is finally telling kids exactly what he thinks! Extended Review: You've simply got to get this book this holiday season! If for some reason it offends you - I apologize, but I don't expect it to offend anyone. My parents were here when we read it out loud, and if anyone would have been offended, it would have been my Mom, who took everything in stride and laughed as much as the rest of us! While you are at it, pick up a copy for someone else who deserves a good laugh! Characters: Santa is hilarious! He's pulling out all the stops and telling kids what the reality of the situation is! Story-Line: This book is full of letters written by children to Santa, and his responses. Please note that it is NOT a book I would read to a child who still believes in Santa, or any child at all, as it is certainly filled with adult humor. Readability: I found the book easy to read. One note here is that the kid's letters are in different fonts, and some really look like kids handwriting, which can get a bit tricky in some situations (think of the suggested cocktail above). Overall: A holiday MUST HAVE this year, especially with the economic fears - everyone needs to laugh about something!

When you finally get tired of running around shopping for all those people on your list, Santa Responds is an excellent way to take a short break. Not for the easily offended, the book takes "typical" letters to Santa, and not-so-jolly St. Nick lets fly with how he really feels. From over-acquisitive kids, to those sending Santa a list of all their recent good deeds, Santa has seen it all, and, for once, he's going to call it like he sees it. And he's seen it all. Often funny, sometimes mildly profane, Santa Responds really does find that spot deep inside you (or maybe not so deep) that is just tired of hearing Christmas carols starting the week before Thanksgiving. The only downside to the book it that it quickly becomes repetitive. But for reading a couple of pages, and coming back later for a few more--excellent. Giving as a gift to the scrooge that just hates Christmas--priceless.

You definitely made our day reading those little beauties. Holiday stress can get anyone down, and to be able to laugh at, really laugh at, yourselves, family, and just general nuttiness in general takes a lot of stress off our shoulders. This is the type of book that you will want to pick up and read, no matter what time of year it is. Everyday life can get us down and to be able to laugh hysterically at something is: Priceless. Some may not appreciate some of the responses Santa may have given, but if they're really honest and are able to see what an "adult" has always wanted to say but never dared, then this book is for them. I wholeheartedly approve of this book and hope that more follow, fast. Christmas is approaching and eggnog only goes so far. Drop me a line if another one comes available, only now I would love an autographed copy. :-) Kitty & Mom

I was reading this book in the book store the other day and found it VERY entertaining! The book has "letters" written to Santa and his response to them. This book is NOT for children as it has some mild language scattered about. WELL worth the 9.95!!!